In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

Close Encounters With Addiction

Based on Gabor Mate's two decades of experience as a medical doctor and his groundbreaking work with the severely addicted on Vancouver's skid row, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts radically reenvisions this much misunderstood field by taking a holistic approach. Dr. Mate presents addiction not as a discrete phenomenon confined to an unfortunate or weak-willed few, but as a continuum that runs throughout (and perhaps underpins) our society; not a medical "condition" distinct from the lives it affects, rather the result of a complex interplay among personal history, emotional, and neurological development, brain chemistry, and the drugs (and behaviors) of addiction. Simplifying a wide array of brain and addiction research findings from around the globe, the book avoids glib self-help remedies, instead promoting a thorough and compassionate self-understanding as the first key to healing and wellness.

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts argues persuasively against contemporary health, social, and criminal justice policies toward addiction and those impacted by it. The mix of personal stories--including the author's candid discussion of his own "high-status" addictive tendencies--and science with positive solutions makes the book equally useful for lay readers and professionals.

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Twice while reading this book, I was asked why I would be interested in a book about addiction. Because my brother told me I should, is the first reason, but not a very compelling answer. But more than that, reading a book about a condition that affects us all, in one way or another, is an act of humanitarian compassion. In order to operate in our fragmented society, we must build connections to people who function with various degrees of addiction and impairment. Understanding the common roots of addiction (across substances, habits and behaviors) makes it possible to see the layers of brokenness and dysfunction created by our misguided societies, and to walk forth with compassion.

A profoundly impactful book that has forced me to change how I asses those who suffer from addiction.In the age of hyperbolic slogans and simple solutions, Dr.Gabor Mate steps above the fray.His integration of material science and the probing of the human psyche under distress is truly enlightening.In The Realm of Hungry Ghost is more then just an excellent investigation of addiction and trauma , it can provide the intellectual roadmap for addicts and their loved ones to understand how they got into this dire state and it can provide the first steps towards the promise land of redemption.

I wonder where sharpie3 got his or her experience to wrte such a scathing report on this excellent bok.It is one thing to demean someones effort. It should carry the responsibility to come up with a better recommendation. A applaud Dr. mate's effort to improve our understanding of the defamed group of the addicts and homeless.

Gabor Mate has devoted great effort towards his ulterior motive which is to browbeat the world community into actively being co-dependents of addicts. Not only is all of humanity to refrain from being intolerant of addicts but all are to elevate substance abusers to the realm beyond ordinary human inadequacies. All are to willingly adopt the role of enabler to addicts. Of course, Mate's abundant wealth depends upon a continuing supply of addicts. How else would he spend $8000 per month on compact discs?

This book should not only be read by all, it should be taught as a special socio-political studies course to teenaged children. This would enable them to learn how propaganda is constructed upon a few facts, some partial truths, and numerous beliefs, myths and biases, all strung together by faulty analysis which results in conclusions that bear of hallmark of self-righteousness and self-serving preaching, with a complete whitewash of truth.

ktnv
Oct 09, 2013

Excellent book, well worth the read for anyone interested in having a deeper understanding of addiction. Check out the TED talk under video.

I've read a lot of em too, as a recovered addict and former member of the 12-step community.

This book begins to explain it all, mostly, and in a compassionate understanding way. If we weren't so addicted to being right and ideology this book view could be the basis of all public policy on addiction recovery/treatment. Until then we are all stuck in a downward spiral.

Dr Mate has some very great YouTube speeches from various sources as well!! tedx in rio being just one short one. check em out!!

Excellent read, kept me interested and educated me as well.
I found this book to be easy to read and very real, I could relate many of the case studies and theories to people I know personally and professionally.
I think the most impactful part of this book for me was gaining a better understanding of addiction, attachment and the impact that both can have on our lives. A very human book, once I started to understand Mr. Mate`s theories then I found myself being much more open to other theories and ideas.